Current student, Maya Raman, received a Career Center Internship Grant for her recent summer internship at the Peace Boat USA Amora shared the following about being a summer intern:
What did you do as an intern at this organization?
This summer, I interned with Peace Boat US in New York City, a nonprofit with consultative status at the United Nations that works on sustainability, peacebuilding, and youth engagement. One of the most impactful moments was speaking at the UN High-Level Political Forum on climate action, where I shared perspectives on youth leadership in addressing the climate crisis.
Throughout the internship, I attended and reported on UN events, including sessions of the General Assembly and Security Council, while also supporting Peace Boat’s Youth for the SDGs program. My work ranged from drafting donor messaging and conducting grant research to creating social media and graphic content that amplified youth voices in sustainability.
The experience gave me a front-row seat to global policymaking while also showing how youth advocacy and grassroots initiatives can connect to international dialogue.
How did you find this internship?
I learned about this internship through the Career Center, as Peace Boat US just launched a partnership with Tufts, and applied directly to the organization!
What did you enjoy most about your internship?
I really enjoyed the opportunity to attend United Nations events, where I got to see how NGOs like Peace Boat connect grassroots advocacy to global policymaking. I also loved being able to represent Peace Boat in these spaces, network with other young people and professionals, and see the real-world impact of the issues I’m passionate about.
What did you find challenging?
Because most of the staff were working remotely, communication was not always straightforward, and our intern team often had to be very self-directed. While this presented challenges, it also became one of the most valuable aspects of the internship. I learned how to take initiative and ask for clarity when needed, as well as how to step up as a collaborator and leader within a large group of interns. Navigating this dynamic taught me the importance of resourcefulness, adaptability, and strong teamwork!
What advice would you offer to someone who wants to make the most of an internship like yours?
Be proactive and take initiative! Opportunities don’t always come directly to you, but if you volunteer for projects, show up at events, and connect with people, you can get so much out of the experience. I’d also say to use the internship as a chance to explore what kind of work environments and roles you thrive in, not just to build skills but to learn more about yourself.
